Lake Erie College
Sickle Cell Trait Information Sheet
Here is some vital information below to help inform you of what sickle cell trait is, people at risk, and how to
prevent collapse. To better protect you from collapse, we need to confirm whether or not you have sickle cell trait.
We need official documentation of your status of whether or not you have the sickle cell trait. We need you to go to
your primary care physician for prior documentation of blood work. If your physician does not have your status on
file, please complete a blood test to determine whether or not you have the sickle cell trait.
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle Cell Trait is not a disease. Sickle Cell
Trait is the inheritance of one gene for sickle
hemoglobin. Sickle cell trait is a life-long
condition that will not change over time.
Do you know if you have Sickle
Cell Trait?
People at high risk for having sickle cell trait
are those whose ancestors come from Africa,
South or Central America, India, Saudi Arabia,
and Caribbean and Mediterranean countries.
How can I prevent a collapse?
-During exercise, red blood cells(RBC’s) containing the
sickle cell hemoglobin can change shape from round to a
quarter moon or sickle shape.
-Sickle RBC’s may accumulate in the bloodstream
during intense exercise, blocking normal blood flow to
the muscles and tissues.
-During intense exercise, athletes with sickle cell trait
may experience significant physical distress, collapse
and even death.
-Heat dehydration, altitude, and asthma can increase the
risk for complications, even if exercise in not intense.
-Athletes with sickle cell trait should not be excluded
from participation as precautions can be put into place.
-Sickle cell trait occurs in about 8% of the U.S. African
American population, and between 1 in 2,000 to 10,000
in the Caucasian population.
-Most U.S. states test at birth, but most athletes with
sickle cell trait do not know they have it.
-The NCAA recommends that athletic departments
confirm sickle cell trait status in all student-athletes.
-Knowledge of sickle cell trait status can help educate
student-athletes on precautions that may prevent
collapse.
-Stay well hydrated at all times, especially in hot and
humid conditions.
-Avoid using high caffeine energy drinks or
supplements, or other stimulants, as they may contribute
to dehydration.
-Maintain proper asthma management.
-Beware when adjusting to changes in altitude.
-Seek prompt medical care when experiencing unusual
physical distress.
-Know your sickle cell trait status
-Engage in a slow and gradual preseason conditioning.
-Build up intensity slowly while training.
-Set your own pace. Use adequate rest and recovery
between repetitions, especially during “gassers/suicides”
and intense stations/drills.
-If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain,
abnormal weakness, undue fatigue, or breathlessness,
stop the activity immediately and notify your athletic
trainer and coach.
Check One:
__I understand that importance and agree to supply the necessary documentation to help prevent collapse or even
death
__I decline to be tested or disclose sickle cell information
Name (Printed):_____________________________ Signature:_______________________________ Date:_______